Makers Head to Allianz London

For many it’s still Twickenham home of England Rugby but as sponsorship encroaches more and more into the sporting narrative this is our first visit since the stadium name change.
As big rugby fans it’s great to see a big game and nothing comes closer to the intensity between England and Scotland in a Calcutta Cup match in the autumn series six nations. Celebrating with friends and family Makers Directors were able to sample the hospitality on offer that the Gate provides unsurpassed in our opinion.

“We have been lucky to bring guests and colleagues here on a number of occasions and it never lets us down, we are delighted to be able to attend and recall previous visits”.

Simon Lamb; Managing Director, Makers

The history of the Calcutta Cup dates back to 1872 and is the oldest contested trophy between two international sides. Made from 270 silver Indian Rupees the cup sporting an elephant and 3 cobras was presented to the RFU to be contested annually between England and Scotland in homage to the first game played in Calcutta on Christmas Day in 1872 where teams of 20 aside took to the pitch. Contested under the umbrella of the six nations tournament the cup has been contested 132 times over its 153-year history.

England have been dominant but over the last 4-years Scotland have been victorious underlying the intensity of the occasion.

In what was always going to be a fiercely contested match, England had to subdue an electric Scottish backrow which cut England open time and time again but managed a dogged lead of 10-7 due to some ferocious tackles.

In a closely fought contest it became a game of two Fins, Finn Russell of Scotland and Fin Smith of England who kicked a penalty from the halfway line providing England some breathing space only for Scotland to score a try with two minutes to go. Fin Russell with a conversion to win the game missed for the third time in the game in the 79th minute handing England the victory by a mere point.

Where everyone in the stadium expecting a Scottish victory Russell pulled his kick left of the upright handing England a hard-fought victory 16-15. With over twice as many tackles England were encamped in their own 22 for most of the game only to be relieved by a constant kicking game which frustrated many English supporters who were desperate for a running attacking game.

“What a match, I’ll have to change my shirt back now from Scotland to England! It’s been great fun and a great day with lots of banter but I’m bound to bet some stick back from the lads in the office. I would like to thank Darren and Simon for taking the time out to share with my family, here’s to the next one. Scotland! England! Scotland! Come on”.

Willy McCrimmon; Regional Director, Makers

“It was a tough watch in the end. England in possession and cruising, then Scotland score. I thought it was all over with Willy screaming in my ear. Best buy him a consolation whiskey”.

Darren Wootton; Operations Director, Makers